La Alpujarra Ride -------------------

The Alpujarra is the name given to the South of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A region of much botanical and geological importance, it is an area with a rich cultural and historical heritage. We follow ancient bridlepaths and valleys where the horse, mule or oxen still pull the plow and thresh the harvest. Each day of the ride we pass through different terrain; from mountain pastures and pine forests to almond and olive groves.

Here is an opportunity not only to discover spectacular landscapes and sceneries, but also a culture where tradition remains very much part of everyday life. The average riding time per day is between five and six hours. On some days there are plenty of opportunites to trot and canter, other days it is mainly walking (due to the rough terrain). No matter what pace it is a beautiful ride.

Day 1	Collection from Malaga airport not later than 4pm (16.00 Hours). Then a transfer to the village of Bubion where you will be met by the trek organiser and guide, Dallas Love. Supper and accomodation in a comfortable village hostel.
Day 2	Heading East we set off for the village of Trevelez, the highest village in Spain and famous for its cured hams and river trout. In the morning we follow the old bridlepath down to the village of Pitres and from here onto the village of Portugos. After lunch following a combination of paths and dirt tracks we climb apporximately 800 meters through ancient Moorish terraces and chestnut groves to join the broad forest track leading to Trevelez. During the afternoon there are many opportunites for canters. In Trevelez the night is spent in the comfortable hotel, situated in the old quarters of the village.
Day 3	Today the bridlepath takes us over totally different terrain, through mountain farms and pine forests to the village of Berchules. The first part of the ride follows a very steep and rocky path up through woods and summer pastures to an altitude of 2,500 meters. On a clear day it is possible to see across the sea to Morocco, and to the North the highest peak in Spain. Picnic lunch en route. After lunch we begin the descent to the village of Berchules. For the final 30 minutes the path becomes very rough and it is necessary to lead the horses. Overnight in a very comfortable family run hotel.
Day 4	Berchules takes its name from the old Spanish word ´Berchel´ meaning literally ´mountain garden´. As we follow the ancient Moorish bridlepaths through the terraced orchards and fields is is easy to see how the area came by its name. After a picnic lunch by the river we leave the bridlepath for one of the Sierra´s broad forest tracks and return to the village on a alternative route, offering plenty of opportunities for trots and canters. We spend a second night in the village of Berchules.
Day 5	Having made a semi-circle we descend to the river Guadalfeo and west to the village of Trevelez. During the morning the landscape changes abruptly, leaving the alpine like Sierras behind we ride through small terraces of olives, almond and fig trees. During the late morning we climb through the spectacular gorge to the village of Juviles where we stop for lunch. After lunch the path commences the grandual ascent towards Trevelez. During the final descent it is necessary to lead your horse for possibly as long as 30 minutes. Overnight in the village of Trevelez.
Day 6	Today is a short ride. Following the forestry track through pine and oak woods we return directly to the stables high above the villages of the poqueira. This route not only offers wonderful views out over the Contraviesa mountains and the Mediterranean sea, but many opportunities for canters. Late lunch in the village of Capileira, over night in the village of Bubion. On this evening dinner is not included and guests are free to select the restaurant of their choice.
Day 7	On this final day, we will explore the more inaccesible parts of the valley Poqueira. With the Mulhacen (the highest mountain in Spain) forming the backdrop, this valley is claimed to be the most beautiful in the Alpujarra. Returning to Bubion in the evening for a farewell supper.
Day 8	Transfer to Malaga.

Prices: See Dates 2010.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 140 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)

INCLUDING: Transfer from and to Malaga airport (not later than 16.00 hours), Breakfast and lunch, dinner on six nights, seven nights accommodation, horses, guide and backup vehicle.

NOT INCLUDED: Airflight costs and taxes, personal and medical insurance,
wine and spirits.

DATES 2010:

Please find a full list of 2010 dates here.

HOW TO BOOK:

For details of how to book please click here.